A security guard/officer is an individual employed by a contract security company or a proprietary security organization to protect persons and/or property from criminal activities. If an individual maintains an armed guard registration it is not necessary to also be registered as an "unarmed" guard. Security guard/officers are required to be licensed to provide security services within the state of Tennessee.

Conviction of the following crimes may disqualify an applicant, subject to the conditions stated in this section: Any felony; or any misdemeanor involving: shooting a firearm or other weapon; shoplifting; assault and battery or other act of violence against persons or property; crimes involving the sale, manufacture or distribution of controlled substances, controlled substance analogues, drugs or narcotics; theft of property; or theft of services.

Requirements

Be at least 21 years of age

Be a citizen of the United States or a resident alien

Not have been declared by any court of competent jurisdiction incompetent by reason of mental defect or disease unless a court of competent jurisdiction has since declared the applicant competent

If convicted in any jurisdiction of any of the crimes listed, have completed serving sentence or court ordered probation at least five (5) years prior to application.

Not be suffering from habitual drunkenness or narcotics addiction or dependence

Not have any disability that, in the opinion of the commissioner, prevents the applicant from performing the duties of a security guard/officer

Be of good moral character

Submit copy of receipt for electronic fingerprinting.

Pass the training examination

Fees

Application/Registration Fee: $105

Electronic Fingerprinting Fee: $32.65Renewal Fee: $60Duplicate: $25

Additional

Training Requirements

Four hour basic course including 1 hour each of:

Orientation

Legal powers and limitations of a security guard/officer

Emergency procedures

General duties

8 Hours in Classroom Course:

Legal limitations on the use of a firearm:- Handling of a firearm- Safety and maintenance of firearms

4 Hours of marksmanship training and achieve a minimum of 70% on any silhouette target course approved by the commissioner.

Training Requirements for the use of a Club, Stun Gun, Chemical Spray, Night Stick or other less than lethal device.

Registered guards or applicants who will carry a club, stun gun, chemical spray, night stick or other less than lethal device, are required to attend appropriate training specific to such device by a trainer, certified to instruct for such specific device. It shall be the employers' responsibility to keep training records of their employees for each device. The security officer/guard shall also have in such person's possession a certification card issued by an instructor/trainer who is certified to instruct/train in the legal use of such specific device and shall exhibit such card upon demand by the commissioner or the commissioner's duly authorized agent or any law enforcement officer.

RenewalRegistrations must be renewed every 2 years.

Continuing EducationEvery 2 years armed security guards must complete 4 hours of refresher training and requalify in the use of a firearm by achieving a minimum of 70% on any silhouette target course approved by the commissioner prior to the renewal.

**Fingerprints will be needed for background check prior to attending class. Visit https://tn.ibtfingerprint.com to set up your appointment for your electronic fingerprints or call (855) 226-2937. Choose Private Protective Services as the Agency Name and Initial Armed Guards as the Applicant Type.